Seeing one hummingbird darting about among the flowers in our garden the other day was almost like magic. I remember the first time I spotted one in my built-up yard ─ I was all ears as it took wing. They’re small, but energetic. I instantly fell in love with them. I wanted more and more of them after their first visit. So I set out to turn my garden into a routine stop for these tiny wonders. It turns out this involves the right plants after all. Did you know?
What Plants Do Hummingbirds Like Best?
So, what else do hummingbirds like to have around? Let’s chat for a minute about favorite bloomers that might turn your garden into a station for hummingbirds.
Why Do Certain Plants Attract Hummingbirds?
First things first, what makes them excited about one flower and not the others? Hummingbirds don’t just like flowers for their nectar (though that accounts for most of the appeal). They’re drawn to bright colors—red, yellow, pink, and purple. And it’s no wonder: with so many colors in their own plumage, a brightly colored flower whets the bird’s appetite.
But not just any flower appeals to these small creatures—the shape of the individual bloom also makes a difference. They prefer trumpet – or bell – shaped flowers because their long beaks and efficient tongues can reach deep into these blooms to scoop up the nectar. So cute, right??
Now that we know what they like, let’s get down to some specifics.
1. Trumpet Vine
If you would like to draw hummingbirds to your back yard, this plant is a must. This is perfect for these plants! Without a doubt Hummingbirds will love the bright orange-red trumpet shaped flowers that match perfectly to there long beaks. And as a bonus it flowers solidly all summer with continual feasting of nectar for your feathery guests.
Just a suggestion, though: these vines will get very big in a hurry. They like to climb, so be prepared with fences or trellises around your yard. Once they get going, the place will be abuzz.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm’s threefold appeal is a feast for the eyes, nose, and ears. And hummingbirds can’t resist it for the rich nectar. These attractively planted beauties are also a lively sight with their bright red, pink, or purple blooms.
However, bee balm can become aggressive and monopolize a space, though that doesn’t really bother the hummingbirds. Some problems are good ones, after all.
3. Sage (Salvia)
Salvia is a good choice for people who enjoy different colors in their garden. From late spring through fall, nectar lovers will rejoice in this blooming favorite. The red and purple varieties are especially popular with hummingbirds.
Perhaps the best part about salvia is how easy it is to care for. Even if you weren’t born with a green thumb, you shouldn’t have trouble keeping this one happy.
Fuchsia magellanica- Hardy Fuchsia.
Another love of the hummingbirds are hardy fuchsias, and it’s hard to blame them. Their bright, drooping flowers, meanwhile, make it easy for birds to sip nectar in flight.
I’ve discovered they grow best for me in hanging baskets or a container, and that makes them super versatile, especially if space is at a premium. Apples Just be sure to put them in a shady location and keep them watered. They are a bit on the tender side compared to some of the others on this list, but they are well worth the effort.
5. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Honeysuckle always brings back memories of sunny summer afternoons in my childhood—sitting at the edge of a cornfield, a broken stalk of honeysuckle in hand, breathing deeply. There’s something truly nostalgic and sensational about the scent.
Hummingbirds love honeysuckle too—especially the red, orange, and yellow varieties. Honeysuckle vines can grow like crazy, so if you’ve got a fence or arbor that needs some coverage, this plant will do the job and attract your winged friends at the same time.
6. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine is slightly different from the others here. It’s not as hardy nor do its flowers pack as quite a punch in a range of hues, but hummingbirds love it too. They’re early bloomers, too — a good thing because they offer much-needed nectar before the rest of the garden has kicked in.
Plant these in your garden, and you’ll get hummingbirds off to an early start in their feeding season.
7. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Their tall spikes of bright red flowers are impossible to miss and perfect for drawing hummingbirds from afar. They love moist soil, so if you have a damp spot in your garden, this is the plant to put there.
It’s a bit more of a commitment, but if you’re serious about creating a welcoming space that hummingbirds can settle into—without being disturbed by other birds (or worse, cats)—the cardinal flower delivers.
Tips for Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
Now that you know about the best flowers, here are a few tips for arranging your garden to be as welcoming as possible:
- Cluster your plants: Grouping the same flower in clusters makes them more visible to hummingbirds. A bright clump of blooms catches their attention more than scattered individuals, and having plants that bloom at different times ensures something’s always in season.
- Water dancing: Hummingbirds love water—especially moving water. A small fountain or a gently bubbling birdbath will entice them to stick around longer.
- Go Easy on the ChemicalsI know it’s tempting to grab that spray when bugs go to nibbling on your plants — but here’s the thing: pesticides can do a number on the hummingbirds. These little sob’s are so small and fragile a trace of chemicals can throw them off. Instead, take a gentle, natural pest-control approach — such as neem oil, or planting bug-repellent herbs. Believe me, your flowers will manage just fine, and the hummingbirds will be happy that your buffet is safe and clean. Nature over chemicals, every time.
It’s not science when it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your garden. by growing flowers such as trumpet vine, bee balm and fuchsia, you’re giving them just what they’re looking for: nectar-rich blooms in vibrant colors that are easy for them to track down. For even more backyard charm, try attracting cardinals.
Once they find and LOVE your garden, they will return again and again. So go ahead and plant away — and prepare to be mesmerized by the fluttering, dazzling show that these magical, cool birds put on for you.
